Statement - “I knew that my mother and father-in-law have links with a children's centre and school in Uganda and that they are sponsoring a young man through university there. I have decided that this initiative would be a good way for us to make a specific contribution to the education of a group of children. They want to buy globes and science equipment for all the classrooms. I feel Austin would approve. It was nice to ask a vague question about their needs and for them to respond with this; so much in line with my thinking regarding education and Austin's great passion. It also feels more personal that it is a small independent organisation that I know of (and have the potential to know more)rather than giving to a larger charity. I would like to donate approximately a third for this.”

Katie S. - Yvonne Learning Center (Miami, FL) $100

Statement - “YLC is an underfunded school in Little Haiti in Miami. It acts as a charter school but aims to produce private school minds. It is grades K-12 with a division devoted to special needs children and teens. The school does mean to educate in a Christian style, but they implement discipline in a complex way. In contrast to the reputation most people have regarding catholic school discipline, YLC fosters and exceedingly loving environment alongside rigidity. Their strict methods stem from a respect for self, respect for learning, and respect for those around you. The teachers at YLC are some of the most underpaid and overworked in Miami-Dade, but love working at YLC because of the difference they make. YLC isn't very big, so they divide larger rooms in two to make two separate classrooms. Just to give you an idea of just how needy this school is, they can't ask their students to buy their own supplies. They give students supplies in the classroom, but there aren't enough items to go around. All the students shared pencils and erasers in groups of two and even three. Let's give these kids some pencils, y'all.”

Sarah - H. - Lights for Life - $200

Statement - “This is a cause that I learned about last year while working on a US AID grant. One of the primary reasons that children in developing countries leave school is because children have little or no access to lighting at home to do their schoolwork. Lights for life provides school-aged children with rechargeable lights so that they can read after the sun goes down. It is an easy, cost-effective way to change the lives of many children. (Endorsed by the Greater Good Foundation).”

Monty E. - One Laptop Per Child - $250

Statement - “Anything that gives children and adults access to technology that will improve their lives.”

Jeremey S. - Chicago Public Library Foundation - $250

Charity Statement - “The Chicago Public Library Foundation supports collection development, programs and technology initiatives that connect library users to their community and to the world and ensure that all Chicagoans have the freedom to read, to learn and to discover at the Chicago Public Library.”

Anonymous - Albuquerque Academy Scholarship Fund - $500

Statement - “I believe that Austin would have wanted the money to go to helping other students achieve through education.”

Charity Statement - “Sequoia Schools was founded in 1996 with the intent of working together WITH families in the education of their children in an environment where every child is known by all of the staff in a very positive environment with high academic expectations for all students. At Sequoia Schools we know that young people often do not feel accepted and may fall through the cracks in a large school typical of those found in our communities today. Our first core value is, “We know every child and we exist to meet their needs”. This commitment to each and every child regardless of their background sets Sequoia apart in the educational community. This core value is reflected in our family of schools which includes the most diverse representation of students of any charter school in the country.

Sequoia Schools has adopted four CORE Values that ensure we always place the needs of the child first, act in a kind and courteous manner to all, lead our schools by agreement, and continuously strive for excellence. These were established in 2011.”